Many applicants have been asking, “How are dental schools responding to the disruptions from COVID-19?” Several dental schools gathered by phone last week to collaborate on responses and solutions. One admissions officer offered a sentiment shared by many:
“We will adapt and adjust and work with the students as much this cycle is beyond our control.”
Jerry McCombs
Admissions Manager, Office of Student Affairs
University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
Collectively, the schools understand the pandemic is unprecedented and expectations need to be flexible as requirements are reviewed. Beyond adapting and adjusting, the schools are working with ADEA and each another to ensure that the process of applying to dental school remains available to everyone who is interested in a career in dentistry.
Currently, here is what we know:
ADEA AADSAS® (ADEA Associated American Dental School Application Service) will open on time. Applicants can open an application on May 12 and start submitting on June 2. While applicants are still encouraged to apply early, please stay safe and know that when you are able to apply, the schools will be ready to review your application.
A new question will be added to the application. The new optional question in ADEA AADSAS prompts applicants to share how COVID-19 has affected their preparation to apply for dental school.
Dental schools are being flexible. Disruptions to transcripts, the Dental Admission Test (DAT) and letters of evaluation are causing anxiety, yet schools are reviewing policies and deadlines to accommodate those affected by the pandemic. For updates from each school, please check the school website or the text listed in the Program Materials section of ADEA AADSAS.
Things are changing daily. The only constant is change. ADEA and the dental schools are committed to informing applicants of updates made throughout this year. Please check our ADEA AADSAS updates page regularly.
As you prepare to apply to dental school, know that we are all working through the disruptions this year. You are joining a profession that is respected and essential to the well-being of our country and health care providers are needed now more than ever. When you are ready to apply, we are ready to assist in the process.
